Considering how many adults have told us they love our StarBlast "mini Dob," we weren't surprised that some of them suggested we offer the StarBlast optical tube on a full-size telescope mount. Sounded like a good idea to us. So here it is, the StarBlast 4.5 EQ.

It's bound to become a favorite of both adults and adolescents alike. It combines the much-heralded StarBlast wide-field (f/4.0) parabolic optics with a sturdy, adjustable height EQ-1 equatorial tracking mount.

The scope's short focal length serves up a generous chunk of sky in the eyepiece, making it easy for beginners to find objects. This version of the StarBlast offers an even more pronounced wide-field viewing experience, as we've upgraded the eyepieces to include two from the Expanse series - 15mm (30x) and 6mm (75x) - which have a 66° apparent field of view. Images of everything from the Moon to the Messier objects appear exceptionally sharp and contrasty. And the EZ Finder red-dot aiming scope makes starhopping around the sky a breeze.

With the equatorial mount, you will be able to keep your target object centered in the eyepiece with only an occasional tweak of one slow-motion cable. Or add an optional electronic drive and let it do the tracking automatically.

So if you're an adult (or a parent with kids) looking for an exceptional starter scope on a tracking mount, or an experienced amateur astronomer seeking a more portable alternative to your "light bucket," then get a StarBlast 4.5 EQ. The name says it all! One-year limited warranty

The following oversize charges will be added to your order total for this item. Please note that these are in addition to the standard shipping & handling charge and our flat-rate express delivery charge.

• Standard oversize Shipping & Handling: $10.00
• 2nd Day oversize Shipping & Handling: $55.00
• Next Day oversize Shipping & Handling: $70.00